2.2.0.25falsefalse020100 - Disclosure - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (Policies)truefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $FROM_Jan01_2010_TO_Dec31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001032208duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$3true0sre_ConsolidationPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseConsolidation Policy [Abstract]4false0us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Principles of ConsolidationSempra EnergySempra Energy's Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Sempra Energy, a California-based Fortune 500 holding company, and its consolidated subsidiaries and a variable interest entity (VIE). Sempra Energy's principal subsidiaries are<ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), which we collectively refer to as the Sempra Utilities; and</li></ul><ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">Sempra Global, which is the holding company for Sempra Generation, Sempra Pipelines & Storage, Sempra LNG, and Sempra Commodities. </li></ul>Sempra Energy uses the equity method to account for investments in affiliated companies over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control. We discuss our investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries in Notes 3 and 4. SDG&ESDG&E's Consolidated Financial Statements include its accounts and the accounts of a VIE of which SDG&E is the primary beneficiary, as we discuss below under "Variable Interest Entities." SDG&E's common stock is wholly owned by Enova Corporation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra Energy. Pacific Enterprises and SoCalGasPacific Enterprise's Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pacific Enterprises (PE) and its subsidiary, SoCalGas. Sempra Energy owns all of PE's common stock and PE owns all of SoCalGas' common stock. SoCalGas' Consolidated Financial Statements include its subsidiaries, which comprise less than one percent of its consolidated financial position and results of operations. PE's operations consist solely of those of SoCalGas and additional items (e.g., cash, intercompany accounts and equity) attributable to serving as a holding company for SoCalGas. Variable Interest Entities (VIE)We consolidate a VIE if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Our determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary is based upon qualitative and quantitative analyses, which assess<ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">the purpose and design of the VIE;</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">the nature of the VIE's risks and the risks we absorb; </li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; and</li></ul><ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE. </li></ul> Principles of ConsolidationSempra EnergySempra Energy's Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Sempra Energy, a California-based Fortune 500falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. An entity also may describe its accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 46R -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph k -Article 1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 5, 6, 16-19 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02, 03 -Article 3A Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 2-6 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 140 -Paragraph 46 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a(2) Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 46R -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph d Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 97-2 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 96-16 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 46R -Paragraph 14, 15 falsefalsePrinciples of Consolidation5true0sre_PublicUtilitiesPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalsePublic Utilities Policy [Abstract[6false0us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00REGULATORY MATTERS Effects of Regulation The accounting policies of our principal regulated utility subsidiaries, SDG&E and SoCalGas, conform with GAAP for regulated enterprises and reflect the policies of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The Sempra Utilities prepare their financial statements in accordance with GAAP provisions governing regulated operations. Under these provisions, a regulated utility records a regulatory asset if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, the utility will recover that asset from customers. To the extent that recovery is no longer probable as a result of changes in regulation or the utility's competitive position, the related regulatory assets are written off. Regulatory liabilities represent amounts collected from customers in advance of the actual expenditure by the utility. If the actual expenditures are less than amounts previously collected from ratepayers, the excess would be refunded to customers, generally by reducing future rates.  REGULATORY MATTERS Effects of Regulation The accounting policies of our principal regulated utility subsidiaries, SDG&E and SoCalGas, conform with GAAP forfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringMay be used as a block of text to describe all the accounting policies unique to utilities. Examples include a discussion about the scope criteria and appropriateness for and extent of the application of FAS 71 (may include identification of specific business units). Other examples of the disclosures may include: descriptions of the form and economic effects of regulation (for example, recording of regulatory assets and liabilities to the rate setting process); statement about periodic assessments of FAS 71 applicability; information regarding amortization of and return on regulatory assets and liabilities, including the remaining amounts and recovery or settlement periods; accounting for changes to recovery estimates; AFUDC, plant abandonment's and plant disallowances.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 92 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 90 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 71 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 101 falsefalseRegulatory Matters, Policy7true0sre_FairValueMeasurementsPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseFair Value Measurements Policy [Abstract]8false0sre_FairValueMeasurementsPolicyTextBlocksrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Fair Value MeasurementsWe apply recurring fair value measurements to certain assets and liabilities, primarily nuclear decommissioning trust assets and other miscellaneous derivatives. Prior to the formation of RBS Sempra Commodities LLP (RBS Sempra Commodities) on April 1, 2008, as we discuss in Notes 3 and 4, we also applied fair value measurements to trading derivatives and certain trading inventories. "Fair value" is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). A fair value measurement reflects the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best available information. These assumptions include the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique (such as a pricing model) and the risks inherent in the inputs to the model. Also, we consider an issuer's credit standing when measuring its liabilities at fair value.We establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Our Level 1 financial instruments primarily consist of exchange-traded derivatives, listed equities and U.S. government treasury securities.Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including:<ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">quoted forward prices for commodities</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">time value</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">volatility factors</li></ul><ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">other relevant economic measures </li></ul>Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Our financial instruments in this category include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as over-the-counter (OTC) forwards and options.Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management's best estimate of fair value from the perspective of a market participant. Fair Value MeasurementsWe apply recurring fair value measurements to certain assets and liabilities, primarily nuclear decommissioning trust assets and otherfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFair Value Measurements, Policy9true0sre_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCash And Cash Equivalents Policy [Abstract]10false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringA description of a company's cash and cash equivalents accounting policy. An entity shall disclose its policy for determining which items are treated as cash equivalents. Other information that may be disclosed includes (1) the nature of any restrictions on the entity's use of its cash and cash equivalents, (2) whether the entity's cash and cash equivalents are insured or expose the entity to credit risk, (3) the classification of any negative balance accounts (overdrafts), and (4) the carrying basis of cash equivalents (for example, at cost) and whether the carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value. Cash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the customer may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. In addition, cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three-years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. For a bank, may include explanation and amount of requirement to maintain reserves against deposits.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR) -Number 203 -Paragraph 02-03 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 8, 9, 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Technical Practice Aid (TPA) -Number 2110 -Paragraph 6 falsefalseCash and Cash Equivalents, Policy11true0sre_InventoryPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseInventory Policy [Abstract]12false0us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Inventories The Sempra Utilities value natural gas inventory by the last-in first-out (LIFO) method. As inventories are sold, differences between the LIFO valuation and the estimated replacement cost are reflected in customer rates. Materials and supplies at the Sempra Utilities are generally valued at the lower of average cost or market. Inventories The Sempra Utilities value natural gas inventory by the last-in first-out (LIFO) method. As inventories are sold, differences between the LIFOfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policies covering its major classes of inventories, bases of stating inventories (for example lower of cost or market), methods by which amounts are added and removed from inventory classes (for example FIFO, LIFO, or average cost), loss recognition on impairment of inventories, and situations in which inventories are stated above cost. If inventory is carried at cost, this description includes the nature of the cost elements included in inventory.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR) -Number 206 -Chapter 2 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph i, ii Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 4 -Paragraph 3, 5-10, 15, 16, 17 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 9 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 81-1 -Paragraph 69-75 falsefalseInventories, Policy13true0sre_IncomeTaxPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseIncome Tax Policy [Abstract]14false0us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Income TaxesIncome tax expense includes current and deferred income taxes from operations during the year. We record deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the book and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Investment tax credits from prior years are amortized to income by the Sempra Utilities over the estimated service lives of the properties as required by the CPUC, and represent regulatory liabilities. At Sempra Global and Parent, investment tax credits and low-income housing credits are recognized in income as earned. The Sempra Utilities and Mobile Gas recognize <ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">regulatory assets to offset deferred tax liabilities if it is probable that the amounts will be recovered from customers; and </li></ul><ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">regulatory liabilities to offset deferred tax assets if it is probable that the amounts will be returned to customers. </li></ul>We currently do not record deferred income taxes for undistributed earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. When there are uncertainties related to potential income tax benefits, in order to qualify for recognition, the position we take has to have at least a "more likely than not" chance of being sustained (based on the position's technical merits) upon challenge by the respective authorities. The term "more likely than not" means a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Otherwise, we may not recognize any of the potential tax benefit associated with the position. We recognize a benefit for a tax position that meets the "more likely than not" criterion at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon its effective resolution.Unrecognized tax benefits involve management's judgment regarding the likelihood of the benefit being sustained. The final resolution of uncertain tax positions could result in adjustments to recorded amounts and may affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.  Income TaxesIncome tax expense includes current and deferred income taxes from operations during the year. We record deferred income taxes for temporaryfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for income taxes, which may include its accounting policies for recognizing and measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowances, recognizing investment tax credits, operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and other carryforwards, methodologies for determining its effective income tax rate and the characterization of interest and penalties in the financial statements.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 4 -Paragraph 11 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 48 -Paragraph 20 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 6-34, 43, 47, 49 falsefalseIncome Taxes, Policy15true0sre_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseProperty Plant And Equipment Policy [Abstract]16false0us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment primarily represents the buildings, equipment and other facilities used by the Sempra Utilities to provide natural gas and electric utility services, and by Sempra Generation, Sempra Pipelines & Storage and Sempra LNG. It also reflects projects included in construction work in progress at these business units. Our plant costs include<ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">labor</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">materials and contract services</li></ul><ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">expenditures for replacement parts incurred during a major maintenance outage of a generating plant</li></ul>In addition, the cost of our utility plant includes an allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). We discuss AFUDC below. The cost of non-utility plant includes capitalized interest.Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of most retired depreciable utility plant minus salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is based on the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets or, for the Sempra Utilities, a shorter period prescribed by the CPUC. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the asset's estimated original composite useful life or the remaining term of the site leases, whichever is shorter.  The Sempra Utilities finance their construction projects with borrowed funds and equity funds. The CPUC and the FERC allow the recovery of the cost of these funds by the capitalization of AFUDC, calculated using rates authorized by the CPUC and the FERC, as a cost component of property, plant and equipment. The Sempra Utilities earn a return on the allowance after the utility property is placed in service and recover the AFUDC from their customers over the expected useful lives of the assets.Sempra Global businesses capitalize interest costs incurred to finance capital projects. The Sempra Utilities also capitalize certain interest costs.Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment primarily represents the buildings, equipment and other facilities used by the Sempra Utilities tofalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for property, plant and equipment which may include the basis of such assets, depreciation methods used and estimated useful lives, the entity's capitalization policy, including its accounting treatment for costs incurred for repairs and maintenance activities, whether such asset balances include capitalized interest and the method by which such is calculated, how disposals of such assets are accounted for and how impairment of such assets is assessed and recognized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 9 -Section C -Paragraph 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 12, 13 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 34 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph d falsefalseProperty, Plant and Equipment, Policy17true0sre_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseImpairment Or Disposal Of Long Lived Assets Policy [Abstract]18false0us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Assets Held for SaleWe classify assets as held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan to actively market an asset for sale and we expect the sale to close within the next twelve months. Upon classifying an asset as held for sale, we record the asset at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value reduced for selling costs. We cease to record depreciation expense on an asset when it is classified as held for sale. Long-Lived Assets We periodically evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that may affect the recoverability or the estimated useful lives of long-lived assets, the definition of which includes intangible assets subject to amortization, but does not include unconsolidated subsidiaries. Impairment of long-lived assets occurs when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the assets. If that comparison indicates that the assets' carrying value may not be recoverable, the impairment is measured based on the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets. This evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist.  Assets Held for SaleWe classify assets as held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan to actively market an asset for sale and wefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for recognizing and measuring the impairment of long-lived assets. An entity also may disclose its accounting policy for long-lived assets to be sold. This policy excludes goodwill and intangible assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 5 -Section CC -Subsection 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 7-15, 26, 30-37 falsefalseImpairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets, Policy19true0sre_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseGoodwill And Intangible Assets, Policy [Abstract]20false0us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00Goodwill and other Intangible AssetsGoodwillGoodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of acquired companies. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually on October 1 for impairment. Impairment of goodwill occurs when the carrying amount (book value) of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. If the book value of goodwill is greater than the fair value on the test date, an impairment loss is recorded.  Goodwill and other Intangible AssetsGoodwillGoodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of acquired companies. GoodwillfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for goodwill and intangible assets. This accounting policy also may address how an entity assesses and measures impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 7-18, 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 4, 11-23, 26, 34 falsefalseGoodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Text Block]21true0sre_AssetRetirementObligationsAndEnvironmentalCostPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseAsset Retirement Obligations And Environmental Cost Policy [Abstract]22false0sre_AssetRetirementObligationsPolicyTextBlocksrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Asset Retirement ObligationsFor tangible long-lived assets, we record asset retirement obligations for the present value of liabilities of future costs expected to be incurred when assets are retired from service, if the retirement process is legally required and if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. We also record a liability if a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement exists and can be reasonably estimated, but performance is conditional upon a future event. We record the estimated retirement cost over the life of the related asset by depreciating the present value of the obligation (measured at the time of the asset's acquisition) and accreting the discount until the liability is settled. Rate-regulated entities record regulatory assets or liabilities as a result of the timing difference between the recognition of costs in accordance with GAAP and costs recovered through the rate-making process. We have recorded a regulatory liability to show that the Sempra Utilities have collected funds from customers more quickly and for larger amounts than we would accrete the retirement liability and depreciate the asset in accordance with GAAP.  Asset Retirement ObligationsFor tangible long-lived assets, we record asset retirement obligations for the present value of liabilities of future costsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAsset Retirement Obligations, Policy23true0sre_CommitmentsAndContingenciesPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCommitments And Contingencies Policy [Abstract]24false0us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00ContingenciesWe accrue losses for the estimated impacts of various conditions, situations or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes. For loss contingencies, we accrue the loss if an event has occurred on or before the balance sheet date and:<ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">information available through the date we file our financial statements indicates it is probable that a loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of uncertain future events; and </li></ul><ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">the amounts of the loss can be reasonably estimated. </li></ul>We do not accrue contingencies that might result in gains. We continuously assess contingencies for litigation claims, environmental remediation and other events.ContingenciesWe accrue losses for the estimated impacts of various conditions, situations or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes. For lossfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for commitments and contingencies, which may include policies for recognizing and measuring loss and gain contingencies.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseContingencies, Policy25true0sre_LegalCostsPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseLegal Costs Policy [Abstract]26false0us-gaap_LegalCostsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Legal FeesLegal fees that are associated with a past event for which a liability has been recorded are accrued when it is probable that fees also will be incurred.Legal FeesLegal fees that are associated with a past event for which a liability has been recorded are accrued when it is probable that fees also will befalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for legal costs incurred to protect or defend the entity's assets and rights, or to obtain assets, including monetary damages, or to obtain rights.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 falsefalseLegal Fees, Policy27true0sre_StockholdersEquityPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseStockholders Equity Policy [Abstract]28false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Comprehensive IncomeComprehensive income includes all changes in the equity of a business enterprise (except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners), including:<ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">foreign-currency translation adjustments</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">amortization of net actuarial gain or loss and prior service cost related to pension and other postretirement benefits plans</li><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities</li></ul><ul><li style="margin-left:9.35px;list-style:square;">certain hedging activities</li></ul> Comprehensive IncomeComprehensive income includes all changes in the equity of a business enterprise (except those resulting from investments by owners andfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for its capital stock transactions, including dividends and accumulated other comprehensive income.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 falsefalseComprehensive Income, Policy29true0sre_RevenueRecognitionPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseRevenue Recognition Policy [Abstract]30false0us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00REVENUESSempra UtilitiesThe Sempra Utilities generate revenues primarily from deliveries to their customers of electricity by SDG&E and natural gas by both SoCalGas and SDG&E and from related services. They record these revenues following the accrual method and recognize them upon delivery and performance. They also record revenue from CPUC-approved incentive awards, some of which require approval by the CPUC prior to being recognized.Sempra GlobalSempra GenerationSempra Generation generates revenues primarily from selling electricity to governmental and wholesale power marketing entities. These revenues are recognized as the electricity is delivered. In each of 2010, 2009 and 2008, Sempra Generation's electricity sales to the DWR accounted for a significant portion of its revenues. Sempra Generation's revenues also include net realized gains and losses and the net change in the fair value of unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts for power and natural gas. Sempra Pipelines & StorageSempra Pipelines & Storage has consolidated foreign subsidiaries in Mexico. The pipeline operations in Mexico recognize revenues from the sale and transportation of natural gas as deliveries are made and from fixed capacity payments. The natural gas distribution utility in Mexico applies GAAP for regulated utilities, as we discuss above. Sempra Pipelines & Storage's natural gas storage and transportation operations recognize revenues when they provide services in accordance with contractual agreements for the storage and transportation services. Sempra Pipelines & Storage's revenues also include net realized gains and losses and the net change in the fair value of unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts for natural gas.Sempra LNGSempra LNG recognizes revenues from (1) the sale of LNG and natural gas as deliveries are made to counterparties and (2) from reservation and usage fees under terminal capacity agreements, nitrogen injection service agreements and tug service agreements. Sempra LNG reports revenue net of value added taxes in Mexico. Sempra LNG's revenues also include net realized gains and losses and the net change in the fair value of unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts for natural gas. Sempra CommoditiesAs we discuss in Notes 3 and 4, on April 1, 2008, our commodities-marketing businesses, previously wholly owned subsidiaries of Sempra Energy, were sold into RBS Sempra Commodities LLP (RBS Sempra Commodities), a partnership jointly owned by Sempra Energy and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Therefore, beginning April 1, 2008, we account for our earnings in the partnership under the equity method. In 2010 and early 2011, the partnership divested its principal businesses and assets, as we discuss in Notes 3 and 4.RBS Sempra Commodities generated most of its revenues from trading and marketing activities in natural gas, electricity, petroleum, petroleum products, base metals and other commodities. RBS Sempra Commodities quoted bid and ask prices to end users and other market makers. It also earned trading profits as a dealer by structuring and executing transactions. Principal transaction revenues were recognized on a trade-date basis and included realized gains and losses and the net change in unrealized gains and losses. RBS Sempra Commodities used derivative instruments (which we discuss further in Note 10) to reduce its exposure to unfavorable changes in market prices. Non-derivative contracts were accounted for on an accrual basis and the related profit or loss was recognized as the contracts were settled.REVENUESSempra UtilitiesThe Sempra Utilities generate revenues primarily from deliveries to their customers of electricity by SDG&E and natural gas by bothfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction should be disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 13 -Section B -Paragraph Question 1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8, 12, 13 falsefalseRevenues, Policy31true0sre_CostOfSalesPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCost Of Sales Policy [Abstract]32false0us-gaap_CostOfSalesPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00OTHER COST OF SALESOther Cost of Sales primarily includes the transportation and storage costs incurred at Sempra Commodities prior to April 1, 2008, pipeline capacity marketing costs incurred at Sempra Generation, and pipeline transportation and natural gas marketing costs incurred at Sempra LNG.OTHER COST OF SALESOther Cost of Sales primarily includes the transportation and storage costs incurred at Sempra Commodities prior to April 1, 2008, pipelinefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policies for recognition of costs in the period which correspond to the sales and revenue categories presented in the statement of operations. Description may include the amount and nature of costs incurred, provisions associated with inventories, purchase discounts, freight and other costs included in cost of sales incurred and recorded in the period. This description also includes the nature of costs of sales incurred and recorded in the statement of operations for the period relating to transactions with related parties.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 2 -Article 5 falsefalseOther Cost of Sales, Policy33true0sre_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseSelling General And Administrative Expenses Policy [Abstract]34false0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES Operation and Maintenance includes operating and maintenance costs, and general and administrative costs, which consist primarily of personnel costs, purchased materials and services, and rent. Operation and Maintenance also includes litigation expense, which is shown separately on Sempra Energy's Consolidated Statements of Operations. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES Operation and Maintenance includes operating and maintenance costs, and general and administrative costs, which consistfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes the nature of and identifies the significant items comprising an entity's selling, general and administrative (or similar) report caption.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOperation and Maintenance Expenses, Policy35true0sre_ForeignCurrencyTransactionsAndTranslationsPolicyAbstractsrefalsenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseForeign Currency Transactions And Translations Policy [Abstract]36false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionsAndTranslationsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00Foreign Currency Translation Our foreign operations generally use their local currency as their functional currency. The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates at the end of the reporting period, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the year. The resulting noncash translation adjustments do not enter into the calculation of earnings or retained earnings (unless the operation is being discontinued), but are reflected in Comprehensive Income and in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), a component of shareholders' equity.  Foreign Currency Translation Our foreign operations generally use their local currency as their functional currency. The assets and liabilities of our foreignfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes a reporting enterprise's accounting policy for (1) transactions denominated in a currency other than the reporting enterprise's functional currency, (2) translating foreign currency financial statements that are incorporated into the financial statements of the reporting enterprise by consolidation, combination, or the equity method of accounting, and (3) remeasurement of the financial statements of a foreign reporting enterprise in a hyperinflationary economy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 5, 7-20, 80 falsefalseForeign Currency Translation, Policy134SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (Policies)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue